Reflection

Both water and the spine have the capacity to mirror. The tone and tension of the spine reflects the tone and tension of how someone is living their life. A tense spine reveals bound energy, which is often the precursor to dis-ease. Like flowing water sustains the earth, a spine that is free to move - to transmit information and energy that organizes and heals - can nourish the body.

The fascial covering of the brain is called the meninges. The outer layer is called the tough mother (dura mater). The meninges protect, contain, and guide fluid within and around the brain. The places where the dura folds are called reflections. These areas create anatomic regions, “separating” the right and left hemispheres and the cerebrum from the cerebellum. I say “separating” because everything in the body is connected and any division we recognize is one imposed by the mind, not one that exists in the continuity of the living body.

The dura covers the brain and the spinal cord, creating a sleeve around tail of the brain as it exits the skull. The dura anchors into the tailbone (coccyx). When we talk about tension in the spine, we are talking about tension in the dural sleeve. This tension can be seen, palpated, and measured in chiropractic analysis. The tension on the spinal cord is transmitted to the dura. The muscles, joints, and posture of the spinal system reflect this deeper tension on the tissues of the central nervous system.

Adverse tension in the spine alters nerve signal and blood flow. Our ability to express health, maintain balance, and adapt to challenge requires clear and effective communication between the brain and the body. Chiropractic looks to identify where communication is being impeded and adjust the local conditions so that information, energy, and ease can flow into and through the body.

Collaboration

Some of the tallest trees in the world are coastal redwoods. They can reach heights of over 300 feet, yet their root system is comparatively quite shallow. Their stability, especially in the face of wind and floods, comes from their roots. Redwood roots can extend beyond 100 feet from the base and will intertwine with other redwoods, creating a network. This is but one (big) example of how community and collaboration allow living things to grow, expand, and heal.

The style of chiropractic we practice is centered around Network Spinal Analysis. Network chiropractic is the application of gentle spinal contacts that help the body become more self-reflective, reduce spinal tension, and reorganize energy. We find that the neurological and energetic benefits of this style of practice are enhanced in a group environment. This is why Network practitioners have an open format in their offices.

Like the redwoods, we breathe the same air, hear the same wind, feel the same rain, and root in the same soil with one another. We adjust to the frequency and intensity of the light that is around us. The frequency and intensity of our own light is directly related how we experience and express life and health. This is the spirit of the collaborative principle in action: self care is community care. We can provide more light when we take care of ourselves AND recognize we are not doing it alone.

Our practice is arranged the way it is because we recognize that healing happens in community. It has been and continues to be our mission to maintain a welcoming, open, community space in which people can connect to their own healing process, feel their roots, and sempervirens.

Healing Happens in Community

At the beginning of August 2021, Mutter Chiropractic will be expanding. We are keeping our current location in Suite B of 3810 SE Division St. and adding a new larger space (Suite C), which is located just down the hall from where we are now. Suite B will be reserved for new patient exams, re-exams, and some private appointments. The new space, Suite C, will be where most office visits take place. Adding this larger space will allow us to increase appointment availability and options. In Suite C we will have appointment blocks each day designated as “semi-private”. This means you will have your own table and for now will be in your own room. Either Dr. Naomi or I will be working with more than one practice member during the 30 minute appointment.

The main reason for this is simple: healing happens in community. Expanding the practice into this larger space is part of pulling that principle into lived experience.

Since April 2020, we have offered a group appointment type (labelled “family”) and have limited it to members of the same household in response to pandemic guidance and the small footprint of Suite B, our current location. Beginning in August 2021, we will introduce semi-private appointment blocks in the new space, which allows us to practice healing in community. Over time and with consideration we will open again into full group appointments.

The style of chiropractic we practice is built around Network Spinal Analysis. Network uses the term “entrainment” to describe the experience and the application of gentle spinal contacts that help the body become more self-reflective, reduce spinal tension, and reorganize energy throughout the body. The process is enhanced when shared. This principle is the foundation for why Network practitioners have an open format in their offices.

There are many benefits to this style of practice. The neural and energetic advantages of entrainment are enhanced in a group environment that is dedicated to the health, healing, and empowerment of those whose enter it. The communication and facilitation of breath, movement, and flow also become more resonant in a community healing space.

We are committed to extending the safe and sacred space we have established in Suite B into the new space of Suite C, as well. All rooms are well-ventilated and contain HEPA air filter/purifiers. We will continue best practices for the safety and cleanliness of the physical and energetic space.

We are very excited for the opportunity to share this growth with you. I have practiced in community entrainment spaces for a decade prior to 2020, and I enjoy offering care in this way. I understand that this style of practice will not appeal to everyone. Dr. Naomi and I will continue to offer private appointments, and will do our best to accommodate everyone as we transition.

Information about updates to scheduling and fees can be accessed here. Please reach out by email or phone with any questions. We look forward to seeing you soon!